MADISON/LAKE MILLS - David Black, age 66, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022. He was born on Oct. 24, 1955, in Bloomington, Ind., the son of William and June (Mathewson) Black. He was united in marriage to Kari Black on May 17, 1997.

Dave graduated from Athens High School in Athens, Ohio. Shortly thereafter, he joined the U.S. Army and earned a specialty as a medic. Dave was stationed in Germany for two years and was honorably discharged in 1978, earning The Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service for his contributions aiding in the success of his battalion medical platoon.

He received his bachelor's degree from Portland State University, master's degree from San Francisco State University and a second master's degree from UW-Madison. Through Dave's hard work and dedication, he was the founding general manager of the UW-Madison student radio station, WSUM, and was instrumental in cultivating what it is recognized as today.

In addition to his passion for the student radio station, he was deeply committed to his work as a facilitator for the Institute for Healing of Racism in Madison, an active member of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and Wisconsin College Broadcasters.

In his personal life, Dave had a love for dogs. His first canine companion was a Basenji, Teakwood, who inspired him to rescue a Basenji mix, Diesel, later in life. This special relationship with Diesel propelled him to work with rescue organizations. He adored his most recent rescue pups, Diesel, Millie, and Chloe.

Dave had a special ability to make everyone feel loved by him and said "I love you" every day. His bear hugs, infectious and resounding laugh, and wit will be missed forever more. We love you very much.

Dave is survived by his wife, Kari; son, Dan (Jen) Lutz; daughter, Stephanie (Nick) Haen; grandchildren, Josie and Cameron Haen, and Noah, Landon and Emma Lutz; brother, Greg (Ginny) Black; four brothers-in-law, Dave (Sue Levy) Mortensen, Kevin (Jeanine) Zwart, Mike (Holly Lamers) Zwart and Mark (Sue) Zwart; sister-in-law, Amie (Mark Meyskens) Zwart; many nieces, nephews and loving family. Dave took his great-nephew, Graecyn Williams-Roeske, under his wing and they were inseparable. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Jan Mortensen.

A memorial service will be held at the MEMORIAL UNION, Great Hall, 800 Langdon St., Madison, at 12 noon on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Family and friends who wish to view the service via LIVE STREAM may visit Dave's obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at 12 noon on Sunday, March 20, 2022. A celebration of Dave's life will follow the service at the Memorial Union, Great Hall, until 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2022.

Memorials may be gifted in Dave's name to: The Basenji Rescue and Transport (basenjirescue.org) or UW Foundation WSUM Fund (supportuw.org). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Madison.com on Feb. 27, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for David Black

Sponsored by Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison/Monona.

17 Entries

Jeanne Creagh

May 16, 2022

Kari, I was so sorry to hear about your loss of Dave. I only met him maybe twice but he was so very easy to talk to and liked to smile. It must be heartbreaking losing Dave, but know I and many more will be praying for you and Dave. God bless

Matt Leach

April 15, 2022

So sorry to find this. Dave was a friend from Athens, a long long time ago. Introduced me to Strat-O-Matic and stick ball which were both a huge part of my teenage years in Minnesota. I'd like to think I shared these games with my new friends and, thanks to Dave, they became a part of their lives too.
The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Blacks. Such a huge part of my past.

Bruce (Rave) Ravid

Planted Trees

Ginny Black

March 18, 2022

Ginny Black

March 18, 2022

Ginny Black

March 18, 2022

As Dave´s sister-in-law, my memories go back to the year 1967, when I first met this precocious 12-year-old kid. Dave was energetic, adorable, sweet-natured, highly intelligent, and curious about everything.....especially his big brother´s new college girlfriend! I particularly remember visiting their home that year in Athens, Ohio. Dave would greet me with a big hug and proceed to follow me wherever I went, asking me a constant barrage of questions about myself and my relationship with his brother! Every time I sat down on the family sofa, Dave sat so close to me, he was almost in my lap!
I will miss Dave´s loving and caring nature, always interested in how I felt and always ending our conversations with, "I love you very much".

Robert & Camellia Matters

March 17, 2022

We want to express our deepest sympathies for your loss. My memories are of David during the 1960's when he was very young. I was so happy to reconnect with him a few years ago that the wedding of his niece

Summer (Black) Gooding

March 15, 2022

Dave was my uncle and a source of support in my life from Day One. I loved him and wish that I had spent more time with him over the years. Sending love to Kari, Dan, Stephanie, and everyone who was impacted by Dave's legacy.

Richard Davis

March 14, 2022

My sincerest condolences to Kari and family.

Mario and Kathy Gobel

March 11, 2022

We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed talking to Dave. He was knowledgeable, friendly and fair. We appreciated all the work he did to get the UW tower on our land. He were happy to hear from him regularly even after the tower was up. We were glad to get to know him. He will be truly missed.

The Crago's

March 11, 2022

Like so many, I was saddened and shocked by the news of Dave's passing. Our hearts are first with Kari and the family. I knew Dave via the marriage of his brother to my sister. Though limited by geography, I got to know Dave during various family get-togethers. This Buckeye admired his devotion to UofW. He will be missed. May mercy, peace & love be his.

Bonnie Woodson

March 5, 2022

My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the Black and Zwart families as they grieve at this difficult time. I never had the opportunity to know Dave unfortunately.....but the tributes made in his memory are very moving and honorable....he was called home far too soon. His contributions to this world were many and he touched many lives. To my cousin, Kari.....you were blessed to have him in your life----he was a great man! Love and prayers will bond you forever.....

Dave McCloskey

February 27, 2022

My friend through time in 3/68 Armor Medical platoon, college years, finding our way as young adults and 46 years to follow. In my heart for the rest of my days.

Bruce Ravid

February 27, 2022

Dave was a good friend who also impacted my music industry career well after I had my own time in college radio at UW. So many great memories and for years when I've seen people out here in LA who resemble Dave, a warm feeling has always come over me. All best to Dave's family and friends. I wish you well during this difficult time and moving forward. How heartwarming for all of us to witness the monumental love that's come his way these past couple of weeks. I unfortunately won't be able to come to town for the memorial due to another travel commitment I'm locked into. You know I'll be there in sprit.

Kim Canisius-Hemsing

February 27, 2022

Kari, I haven´t seen you in years and didn´t know David at all but your picture posts have tugged at my heart. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Hold tight to your faith, family and memories for strength. Hugs.

greg black

February 22, 2022

My brother, David, is a believer with Christ, a very intelligent, empathetic & brave man who loves his family & friends with all the love he has. It is heart warming to read all the wonderful condolences. The Black family from 1955 thanks God for Dave, & thanks the Lutz & Zwart families & all of you for being such valuable parts of our lives. greg